The terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, primarily motivated by a combination of political, religious, and ideological factors. The attack was orchestrated by the Islamist extremist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden and al-Qaeda declared the attacks as retaliation against the United States for its military and political actions in the Middle East, including U.S. support for Israel, the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, sanctions against Iraq, and perceived aggression against Muslims around the world. Bin Laden viewed the attacks as a way to punish the U.S. and to draw attention to what he saw as American imperialism and oppression of Muslims. Additionally, the attacks aimed to strike symbols of America’s economic and military power to destabilize and provoke the U.S. into broader conflict.
Osama bin Laden specifically mentioned his motivation stemming from witnessing the devastation caused by American-supported Israeli actions in Lebanon in 1982 and U.S. military involvements in other Muslim countries. He falsely framed the attacks as resistance against aggression and oppression, hoping to inspire wider Islamic support and incite a global jihad.
In summary, the attack was not random but rooted in al-Qaeda's extremist ideology, grievances against American foreign policies, and a strategic desire to challenge U.S. global influence by attacking highly symbolic targets.
